Caste-Based Survey: RSS Backs Caste Census Amid Opposition Demand, Says ‘Sensitive Issue, Must Not Be Exploited As Political Tool for Electoral Gains’ (Watch Video)
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) said on Monday it has no objection to collecting data on specific communities or castes, provided that the information is used for their welfare and not exploited as a political tool for electoral gains.
Palakkad, August 2: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) said on Monday it has no objection to collecting data on specific communities or castes, provided that the information is used for their welfare and not exploited as a political tool for electoral gains.
Addressing the media here after a three-day coordination conclave called Samanway Baithak in this district, Sunil Ambekar, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, said caste and caste-relations were a "very sensitive issue" for the Hindu society and it is an important issue "for our national unity and integrity". He was responding to a query on caste census. So, it should be dealt with "very seriously" and not just on the basis of elections or politics. Caste-Based Survey: RJD Holds State-Wide One-Day Sit-In Protest Demanding Nationwide Caste Census (See Pics and Video).
"So, as RSS thinks, yes, definitely for all welfare activities, addressing to the particular community or caste which is lagging behind and so special attention is needed to some communities and caste. So, for that the government needs the numbers. It is very well practiced. So, the government needs numbers, it takes. Earlier also it has taken. So, it can take it. No problem." Rahul Gandhi Again Presses Caste Census Demand; Says ‘Checked Miss India List, Found No Women From Dalit, Tribal or OBC’ (Watch Video).
RSS Member Sunil Ambekar on Caste Census:
"But it should be only to address the welfare of the those communities and caste. It should not be used as a political tool for electioneering. And so we put with a caution line for everyone," Ambekar said. Ambekar's statement comes amidst campaigning by the opposition parties-- the Congress, Samajwadi Party and other INDIA bloc allies, seeking to hold a caste census for effective policymaking.
(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)